To Save Sir (Doms of Decadence Book 7)

by Laylah Roberts

  “It’s not a night out,” Curt told him. “We’re working.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “I should probably warn you that my friends might hit on you,” she told Travis.

  His grin grew. “Even better.”

  Curt let out a deep breath. He knew when he was outnumbered.

  “Fine, we’re going. But I want your promise.”

  She threw her hands up into the air. “Whatever will make you feel better. I promise, okay?”

  It wasn’t okay. Not at all. He didn’t like that she was being threatened and he didn’t like that she wasn’t his to command. Because if she were, she certainly wouldn’t be going anywhere but his bed, where she’d spend the night under him, pleasing him, pleasuring him.

  The thought made his cock stir.

  He needed to claim her. Soon.

  ***

  “Does he ever take his gaze off you?” Mel asked her as she pressed close to her at the bar.

  Dirty Delights was pumping, the rodeo over in Freestown meant there were lots of visitors here tonight. Plenty of cowboys looking for a good time. She looked around for their other friends and found Hannah flirting with a blond cowboy dressed in a button-down shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. Carlie was talking with a few of the other girls who attended the self-defense lessons at the gym.

  Josie hadn’t stopped talking to Travis all night, although Jenna got the feeling he wasn’t as interested in her as she was in him. He seemed to be more indulgent than anything else. She watched as her friend stumbled over nothing, wincing. Travis caught her with a look of concern.

  “I think Josie has drunk too much.”

  Melody looked over with a worried glance. “I’ll get Darne to call Bert.”

  Bert was the local taxi driver. Actually, the only taxi driver.

  Mel waved down Darne, one of the bartenders, and spoke to him across the bar, pointing to Josie. Darne nodded and moved towards the back of the bar where the phone was located.

  “Don’t try to change the subject. What’s going on with you and Mr. Intense over there?”

  Almost as though he heard them speaking about him, Curt turned to look at her questioningly. She smiled, letting him know she was okay. He was only a few feet away, but it was so noisy she knew she could talk without him overhearing.

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing? Honey, I’ve been watching the two of you all night. I’ve seen the way he keeps checking in with you to make sure you’re okay. How you keep tabs on when his drink is getting low and send Bella over with a fresh one.”

  She shrugged. “We’ve known each other for years. I care about him.”

  “Oh, no, it’s more than that. There’s heat in his gaze as he watches you. When you’re not looking he totally checks you out, and you do the same to him.”

  “Do not.”

  “Do too.”

  “And he’s scared off every man who’s approached us. Maybe I should stand away from you. I might have a chance of getting laid then.”

  “Oh, shut up. We both know there’s only one man you’re interested in.”

  Everyone in their circle of friends knew about Melody’s feelings for Brye.

  “Yeah, well, he thinks of me as a little sister so maybe it’s time to move on.”

  “I know how that feels.”

  “Girl, that man does not see you as his sister. Are you going to tell me why he’s really here? And don’t give me that bullshit that he came to tell you something. That’s what phones are for.”

  A new song came on, and Melody grabbed her hand. “Hey, it’s our song! Come on!”

  Whew. Saved from having to answer that question.

  She dragged Jenna over to the dance floor. Mel was spontaneous and fun, although she didn’t always think things through. Jenna knew Curt wouldn’t like her just taking off but she wasn’t out of his sight and as she danced to the beat she felt some of her tension drain away.

  She threw her arms up into the air, jiggling her hips. Arms wrapped around her from behind. For one crazy moment she thought it was Curt, but the scent was off, and this guy was smaller. She pushed at his arms, but he didn’t move.

  “Hey, let go of her,” Mel said, moving closer.

  “Let go! Now!” Jenna yelled, feeling the panic rise. Old fears swamped her. Being restrained. Hurt. No. She wouldn’t let him hurt her.

  Then her training took over and she slammed her foot down on the top of his. Then as he loosened his grip with a shout, she turned and rammed her knee into his balls, quickly following up with a punch to his nose.

  As he crumpled to the ground with a cry, she stood there breathing heavily. Someone touched her shoulder, and she turned, her fists raised. Brye took a step back, holding his hands up.

  “Hey, Jenna, it’s okay. You got him.”

  Around them people had stopped dancing and were pointing and staring. She heard a shout then saw Curt push his way through the last of the crowd. His face was like thunder as he approached.

  Suddenly, reality flooded in and mortification filled her.

  “Oh, God, what did I do?” Tears filled her eyes.

  “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?” Curt asked as he grabbed hold of her shoulders. He ran his gaze over her as though checking for injuries.

  “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. Shit, I can’t believe I did that. Is he okay?” she asked Brye, who was checking the guy over.

  “Who cares?” Mel said. “You told him to let go, and he didn’t. You were a total bad ass.”

  She didn’t feel like a bad ass. She felt shaken and unsure. She looked up at Curt, who still held her. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist as two of the bouncers helped the guy limp off. She shook, and he ran his hand up and down her back.

  “It’s okay. You’re all right,” he spoke against her ear so no one else could hear.

  “Jenna, are you okay?” She looked over as Devon, the owner of Dirty Delights, approached.

  “She’s fine,” Curt snapped. “You might think about getting more bouncers, though. A woman should be able to dance without getting mauled.”

  Devon narrowed his gaze. “You’re the guy that punched Logan and Duncan, right? I have extra bouncers on, but there are a lot of strangers in town. Are you girls out on your own?”

  Melody nodded.

  “I’m keeping an eye on them,” Brye said.

  Mel turned to give him a look, and he just raised an eyebrow.

  “I think I want to go home,” Jenna said, feeling a little ill.

  Curt nodded and began to steer her through the crowd, which had mostly, gone back to ignoring them. She hated being the center of attention.

  “Wait, I have to say good night to Mel.” She gave her friend a hug and reassured her that she’d be fine. The other woman said good night, and Jenna let Curt lead her away.

  When they finally reached her car, he opened her door and helped her in before doing up her seatbelt. She was quiet as he drove her home, but when they entered her cottage, instead of going to bed like she knew she should, she grabbed a bottle of tequila from her liquor cabinet. “Want a shot?”

  Curt hated tequila, but he nodded. He didn’t like the look on her face. She seemed shell-shocked, shaken. He guessed it could be just a reaction to what had happened, but it felt like more. She grabbed some salt and cut up some limes and then placed everything on the coffee table. She did the first shot with barely a grimace. He looked at her in surprise.

  “This was my poison of choice during college. Medical school was intense, we needed a way of unwinding.”

  “I can think of another way of unwinding,” he said, surprising himself. He didn’t usually flirt. Didn’t like to take part in anything that smacked of a game. He’d played too many of those with Amelia during their marriage. Bitterness filled him. So many years wasted with that viper.

  “Yeah, well, we did plenty of that too.”

  Did she? Jealousy twisted in his stomach, and he had to tamp it d
own. He did take the shot, though, then reached out to let her pour him another. He wondered how he could get her to open up about what was bothering her.

  “I thought I was back there.”

  “What? Where? Back in the bar?”

  “No, when I was in Dirty Delights. When that guy wouldn’t let me go, I started to panic. I thought he was going to hurt me. Or hold me down while someone else harmed me, like they did—”

  “When you were kidnapped. Jesus, Jenna—”

  “I know it’s silly. I was safe. I was surrounded by people, my friends, you. Nothing bad was going to happen to me.”

  She looked over at him, her eyes haunted.

  “You fought back, darlin’. You got yourself free. Without help from anyone else.”

  Huh, she had, hadn’t she?

  “And even if you hadn’t, I wasn’t far away. Nothing would ever have harmed you while I was there.” Although, he was still pissed at how long it had taken him to get through the crowd to her. He should never have let her get so far away from him. When she’d taken off to the dance floor, he’d started to follow but he’d paused for a moment, captivated by her dancing. But he wouldn’t have forgiven himself if something had happened to her.

  She smiled. “I know. My knight in shining armor.”

  He snorted. “You are the only person who would ever call me that.”

  “I thought I was getting stronger.”

  “You are one of the strongest people I know.”

  “I still sleep with the light on.”

  “So do I.”

  She rolled her eyes. “No, you don’t.”

  “What happened to you was terrifying, traumatizing. You had every reason to hide from the world and feel sorry for yourself. Instead, you fought back. You moved here on your own, found yourself a job, you’ve been taking self-defense classes, made some good friends. I don’t think I know anyone stronger.”

  She shook her head. “I moved here to get away from everything.”

  “To get away from what?”

  “My parents. You.”

  He stilled. “Jenna—”

  She stood, shaking her head. “Forget I said that. I’m going to bed.”

  He reached up and grabbed her hand, tumbling her onto his lap. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry you had to come here to get away from me. I was such an asshole.”

  “Let me up.”

  He stared down into her beautiful face, remembering the way she’d stared at him with hurt and anger.

  “I made mistakes. Said things I still regret and I drove you away. You’re the best thing in my world, and I pushed you away.” Then leaning in, he kissed her.

  Jenna couldn’t believe this was happening. Curt was kissing her. Actually kissing her. And, damn, it was fucking good.

  He cupped her breast, and she whimpered. The sensations were almost too much. Her whole body stiffened, needing him, hardly daring to believe this was happening. At any moment now, she knew he’d pull back and tell her this had all been a horrible mistake. But she was going to take as much as he would give. His rubbed her hard nipple with his thumb, and she wished there weren’t two layers of clothing between their bodies.

  “Curt, please.”

  If he rejected her now, it would hurt so much.

  “Sh, baby. It’s going to be okay. I’m going to take care of you.”

  “Don’t start something you won’t finish.” She was surprised she could even speak in full sentences as he lightly pinched her nipple. Sparks of arousal shot straight to her clit, making the bundle of nerves throb.

  “I won’t. I want you, Jenna. So much I can barely sleep at night, imagining you next to me, under me, surrounding me with your heat.”

  He shifted her off his lap and stood suddenly, the loss of his body against hers chilled her. She bit back a cry of denial. He’d changed his mind. He didn’t really want her. Then he leaned in and picked her up, cradling her against his chest.

  “Curt!”

  “We’re moving this upstairs. I’m not going to risk that bastard, Travis, interrupting us. And there’s no way I’m letting him see your naked body.”

  “I thought Doms liked to show off their subs,” she whispered.

  He stopped, staring down at her in shock. Fuck, why did I say that? It wasn’t like she was his sub.

  “And what would you know about that?” he asked in a low voice.

  She swallowed heavily then raised her chin. She wouldn’t let him intimidate her.

  “Jenna? What do you know about BDSM? Did someone tell you I was a Dom?” He shook his head then continued to climb the stairs, not even looking strained as he carried her. Laying her on the bed, he ran his hand down her cheek with a smile so filled with condescension she stiffened. “I don’t know who told you that, but it’s nothing to worry about, sweetheart. No doubt you think it’s all whips and chains. You’re probably scared by the idea of me dominating you, but I’m not going to do anything like that.”

  “That so?” she drawled. “How . . . disappointing.”

  She watched as his eyes flared at her words then narrowed thoughtfully. “You want me to dominate you?”

  She snorted. “You attempt to boss me around in every aspect of my life, but when it comes to sex you decide to take a step back? What’s with that?”

  “If I’m bossy the rest of the time, it’s only because I want to keep you safe. You find trouble wherever you go.”

  “Jesus.” She sat up. “You have this idea that I’m this sweet, innocent girl. I’m not a virgin, Curt.”

  He glowered. “I don’t want to talk about your past lovers.”

  “Well, too bad. I may not have the experience you do, but that doesn’t mean I’m wet behind the ears. Curt, I know about BDSM.”

  He waved his hand, pacing impatiently. “Movies and books—”

  “Because I’m a member of a BDSM club,” she spoke over him.

  He stopped his pacing. “What?” His voice was low, cold.

  She swallowed heavily, not quite prepared for that reaction. But she gave him a firm look, not wanting him to see her nerves. “I belong to Saxons.”

  “Why?”

  Tell him the truth? Or just part of it?

  “Cady told me about BDSM, and the idea intrigued me.” Made her hot, was more like it. Only, once she’d gotten to the club, it hadn’t felt right.

  Because Curt wasn’t there.

  “That’s a big step, going from feeling a bit intrigued to becoming a member of a BDSM club.” He sat on the bed, looming over her. Her breath caught at the coldness in his eyes. The intensity in his face. “I can’t believe you went into a BDSM club alone. Damn, I bet they circled you like sharks moving in on fresh prey. You really want this? For me to dominate you?”

  She nodded, feeling a little hesitant now. He looked so fierce. Crap, where had all her courage fled to?

  “Stand and strip for me,” he ordered.

  Oh, hell. Even as her body reacted to his words, nervousness filled her. “Curt—”

  “Now, sub.”

  No. Too fast. Too much. She wasn’t just going to be just some faceless sub to him. She almost caved, wanting to please him. But this was important.

  “No.”

  His eyes widened. “Just how useless are the Doms at that club? Or do you want to be punished?”

  No. Yes. Maybe. Later. Right now, she needed to make him understand.

  “When I went to Saxon’s, I only watched.”

  “I find that hard to believe. What honey is to a bee, you’d be to a Dom. Soft, sweet, and irresistible.” He reached for her top, pulling it off over her head.

  Her eyes widened, her breath coming faster. “I didn’t participate, Curt.”

  He stilled. “What? Ever?”

  She shook her head.

  “Why not?”

  “I guess because even though there are safeguards in place, and I knew it didn’t have to be anything sexual, I just didn’t trust anyone enough to let go. To allow the
m any control over me. I didn’t want to be with just anyone. I wanted to be with someone who cared about me.”

  He was silent for a moment, and she stared up at him. “But you trust me, don’t you, Jenna?”

  She could have denied it, but what would have been the point? It was obvious she trusted him. Maybe more than she trusted anyone.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  “And you know that I care about you?”

  God, she hoped he did.

  She nodded.

  He studied her then smiled. “Don’t look so scared, little bit. When have you ever known me to be anything but protective of you?”

  “Never. You’re usually too protective.” So why was she feeling so apprehensive? Maybe because she’d wanted this for so long and now she was scared she was fucking it all up.

  He ran a thumb over her cheek. “Then all you have to do is what feels good. Tonight, we’ll take things slow. Ease into it.”

  He took her mouth with his, kissing her, possessing her.

  “Not promising I won’t get a bit bossy, though,” he muttered as he reached around and unclipped her bra.

  The tightness in her stomach eased. This was Curt. Her Curt. “You wouldn’t be Curt otherwise.”

  “Sassy brat.” He drew her bra away then stared down at her breasts for a moment. She resisted the urge to cover herself, but her breath caught in her throat as she waited for him to say something.

  “Even better than I’d hoped for.” He lightly pushed her back then dropped his head, taking her right nipple into his mouth, sucking strongly.

  “Oh, my God!”

  He nipped at the tight nub gently, that bite of pain making everything feel more intense. The pleasure rose, and she brushed her hands over his short hair, down to his wide shoulders, holding on as he moved his mouth to her other breast, giving it the same treatment. He bit then sucked on her nipple until it felt so sensitive she thought she might scream. Her whole body was on fire and filled with such longing she couldn’t stop the whimpers from escaping.

  “Damn, you’re responsive. I’m going to have a hard time training you to hold off your orgasm.

  What? Why would he want to do that?

  And why did he want to talk when she was so close to coming?

  “Please, Curt,” she begged as he kissed down her stomach. He pulled back and drew off her skirt. Kneeling on the bed between her spread legs, he ran his finger over her panty-clad slit.